V 3 v^: 



Pamily Knitting Machine. 



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;dXnX^ I C K F O R D 

Inventor and Patentee 



^^y 



J«^ 



GENERA^ ^,sD 



Introduction p 

|J^!:?iS^^^™»MaeMne::::::;;;::;;;::: 

txplauation of the same 

Taking out Needles.;::; 

Oihng the Machine... 

^^^"f^gtl'e Length of stitch.;;; 

?ake!up .". ''• *"'' i"»^'™«o'; ; : ; ; ; ; ; : ; :;:::;;;;:;:; 

The Spring Take-up; ;;::::.;;; 

Flat Web 

Seaming ; ; ; ; : , 

Knitting-up Stitches. : : ; ' : : 

Balmoral Work.. 

Knitting a Sock. . . 

Ladies' Stockings. . . 

Children's Stockings. < 

Ladies' Leggins. . • 

Children's Leesins ' 

Wristlets ^ ; 

BlockWork ■• 'j 

Mittens ;;::::.:: 

trloves 

Ruching or fiifted Work 

Fringe 

Cord. 

Si^^ter^^»:-:-«ets 



Tidies. . 
Scarfs. . 
Stitche 




BabysBoot 

Lady's Sock or Over-SL 

Lady's Corset 

Suspenders ... 
Child's Sacque. 
Lady's Jacket. . 
Children's Hoods 

Child's Dress 

Changing Cylinders..:; 
Hints to Beginners.... 

Maj -rials, etc 

""asnrement. ; 



ILLUSTRATED 

IN8TKIICTI0N BOOK 




PRINCIPAL OFFICE: ' 

689 BR.O-A.IDV;^^'^, ISTEW Y0R,K:, 



Copyright Secured. 



'] 






^^^^ 



Entered according to Act of Congress, by DANA BICKFORD, on January 1st. 1873, in the office of 
the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



Copyright Secured. 



I]SrTRODTJCTIOI>r. 

I present you this book to explain to you my position, and give you the confidence in my business and machine 
that every one should have before recommending a thing to their friends ; and if you will look it through care- 
fully, you will see what claim I have upon your confidence and patronage. In investigating the Knitting Machine 
business over six years ago, I came to the conclusion that this branch of improvements had been left out 
entirely, and that it was my business to make a good labor-saving machine ; and since that I have encountered 
all manner of difficulties and disappointments, but have been determined all the while to succeed in presenting every 
household with one of the most useful and complete pieces of mechanism in the world; something that would 
enable the weary housewife to have a few hours of rest and recreation, as well as the matrons and young ladies of 
leisure and fashion to have a never failing fountain of pleasure as well as solid enjoyment. And feeling that no lady 
would object to spend her leisure moments in constructing something beautiful as well as useful, if she had a 
neat, handy article to do it on ; and knowing that articles entirely improvised and completed by some dear friend 
are more highly prized than the most expensive articles made by others, I have kept pushing on until I 
have brought my machine to that perfection that the public demand before they are willing to spend their own 
money and recommend their friends to do so. Since I commenced some others have attempted, by infringing 
upon my improvements, to put something they call Knitters, into competition with me ; but parties will not have 
to hesitate long in deciding which to buy. All improvements, excepting the bare construction of a straight tube, 
belong to me, and are covered by numerous Letters Patent, etc. And finally, in my first machine I could only 
make a straight tubular web, and that had to be cut into work. 

The Machine that I now present you is complete in every part, and far excels all others, and with our improved 
advantages for manufacturing, no family could invest two hundred dollars in any business or bank that would pay 

Copyright Secured. 



4 



to a very small family, as much interest as this machine would, costing only thirty dollars; and they could 
not procure for any money the amount of pleasure and enjoyment that one would give them. 

It far excels in quietness of operation and ease ot working, and requires far less skill to operate it than any other. 

It is adapted to all kinds of plain as well as fancy knitting, and in fact it will knit anything or everything that the 
most ingenious lady can knit or crochet, from a watch cord to a bed or carriage blanket. (See circular.) 

We now apply the take-up and weights to hold down the work while knitting the heel, toe, etc., making it the 
most complete machine in the world. 

I will here state, for the guidance of the people in purchasing machines, and to prevent their being imposed 
upon by parties trying to produce articles without regard to my claims, I am the originator of the Automatic 
KNiTTrNG MACiiraE, in all its parts, as well as the work made upon it ; also the Needle, itself, as the following 
Patents will show : 



July 6th, 1869 92147. 

Nov. 2d, 1869 96531. 

Sept. 17th, 1872 Ibl386. 

Sept. 17th, 1872 131387. 

Sept, 17th. 1872. ; 131388. 

Oct. 22d, 1872 132382. 



Sept. 10th, 1867 No. 68595. 

July 7th, 1868 " 79787. 

July 2l8t, 1868 " 80121. 

July 21st, 1868 " 80122. 

Dec. 1st, 1868 " 84472. 

Dec. lst,1868 " 84473. 

July 6th, 1869 " 92166. 

the above, I have a large number of applications pending in the U. S. Patent Office, and have already 
for Great Britain, France, Belgium, Prussia, Austria, Saxony, Wurtemburg and Bavaria. 

DANA BICKFORD. 

Copyright Secured. 



— =«| TO -A.C3rE!3XrTS- &=— 

f ■ — " " ' 

I Tliere is no field of labor that offers greater remuneration, than the sale of the Farm I// Knitti^ig 

Machiiie, and there is no machine that possesses one-half the qualities that are so absolutely necessary for 
family use as the BICKFORU S IMPRO VED. Its simplicity and ease of management, together with 
its capacity for doing the great range of work, and its trifling cost, makes it a matter of econom>i for every 
family to have one, and vnll ultimately bring it into as general use as the Sewing Machine. The practical 
utility of the machine only needs to be demonstrated to the people to produce an unlimited demand. 

Many Sewing Machijie Agents, finding the increase of competition and the difficulty of selling high 
priced machines to militate against a flourishing business, are taking hold of the 

and meeting with the greatest success. Merchants, finding in Dana Bickfords invention a cheap, simple 
and practical Knitting Machine, find it -profitable to purchase and keep on sale. The almost entire absence 
of competition does not require the " eternal vigilance " to sell this machine as in the case of sewing machines. 

Agents wanted Everywliere. Good, Smart Men can make! $-jO per week and ;Expeuses. Send for 
Instructions and Circulars. 



Si^kfofd Kjqittiii^ ^iidVqe dorq^k,i\y, 



large, fc OFFICE AND SALESROOM, 

;hine. 
DANA BICKFORD, Presidenl. No. 689 BROADWAY, N. Y. 



i 



to a very small family, as much interest as this machine would, costing only thirty dollars; and they could 
not procure for any money the amount of pleasure and enjoyment that one would give them. 

It far excels in quietness of operation and ease of working, and requires far less skill to operate it than any other. 

It is adapted to all kinds of plain as well as fancy knitting, and in fact it will knit anything or everything that the 
most ingenious lady can knit or crochet, irom a watch cord to a bed or carriage blanket. (See circular.) 

We now apply the take-up and weights to hold down the work while knitting the heel, toe, etc., making it the 
most complete machine in the world. 

I will here state, for the guidance of the people in purchasing machines, and to prevent their being imposed 
upon by parties tiying to produce articles without regard to my claims, I am the originator of the Automatic 
Knitting Machine, in air its parts, as well as the work made upon it; also the Needle, itself, as the following 
Patents will show : 



79787. 
80131. 
80132. 
84472. 
84473. 
93166. 



.93147. 



Sept. 10th, 1867 No. 

July 7th,1868 

July 21st, 1868 

July Stst, 1868 

Dec. 1st, 1868 

Dec. 1st, 1868 

July 6th, 1869 

Besides the above, I have a large number of applications pending in the U. S. Patent OiBce, and have already 
Patents for Great Britain, France, Belgium, Prussia, Austria, Saxony, Wurtemburg and Bavaria. 

DANA BICKFORD. 



July 6th, 1869 

Nov. 3d, 1869 96531. 

Sept. 17th, 1872 1J,1386. 

Sept. 17th, 1873 131387. 

Sept. 17th, 1872. 131388. 

Oct. 33d, 1873 133383. 



Copyright Secured. 



TO .A.CSrESnXT'T 



I T/iere is no field of labor that offers greater remuneration than the sale of the Family Knitting 

Machine, and there is no machine that possesses one-half the qualities that are so absolutely necessary for 

family use as the BICKFOEU S IMPRO VED. Its simplicity and ease of management, together with 
its capacity for doing the great range of work, and its trifling cost, makes it a matter of economy for every 

family to have one, and vjill ultimately bring it into as general use as the Sewing Machine. The practical 
utility of the machine only needs to be demmistrated to the people to produce an unlimited dennand. 

Many Sewing Machi7ie Agents, finding the increase of competition and the difficulty of selling high 

priced machines to militate against a flourishing business, are taking hold oj the 

and meeting with the greatest success. Merchards, finding in Dana Bickford's invention, a cheap, simple 
and practical Knittiyig Machine, find it profitable to purchase and keep on sale. The almost entire absence 
of competition does not require the " eternal vigihiyx " to sell this machine as in the case of sewing machines. 

Agents wanted Everywhere. Good, Smart Men can make! $50 per week and lExpenses. Send for 
Instructions and Circulars. 



Si^foi'd 'Ki\ittii\^ ^^(51\ii\e don:\f>kr|y, 



OFFICE AND SALESROOM, 

DANA BICKFORD, Presideni. \ NO. 689 BROADWAY, N. Y. 

\ 



i: 



Any of the following articles may be readily produced ( 
finite variety of designs, in form, color or stitcli. 



. this JIachine, and may be beautifully varied in an in- 



I- 



Children's Carriage Mats. 


Covers for Curtain Tassels. 


Cushion Covers and 


Purses. 


Tufted Carriage Mats. 


Toilet Mats. 


Ottoman Covers in 


Dusters. 


Tnfted Door Mats. 


Lamp Mats. 


Looped Trimmings. 


Mittens. 


Tufted Muffs and Collars. 


Fringed Mittens. 


Scarfs (great variety). 


Gloves. 


Fancy Stitch Muffs & Collars. 


Linings for tJarments. 


Socks. 


Wristlets. 


Cradle Blankets. 


Tablespreads. 


Caps. 


Fringes. 


Traveling k Bed Blankets. 


Bedspreads, 


Hoods. 


Cords. 


Infants' Shirts. 


Undershirts. 






Carriage Afghans. 


Suspenders. 


Shawls. 


Tuftings. 


Childrens' Afghans. 


Gentlemen's, 


Jackets. 


Trimmings. 


Breakfast Capes. 


Ladles' and Children's 


Nnblas. 


Hose Socks. 


Smoking Caps. 


Underwear 


Drawers. 


Stockings. 


Skating Caps. 


Of every kind. 


Skirts. 


Capes. 


Watch Cords. 


Pianoforte Covers. 


Sashes. 


Slippers. 


Curtain Cords. 


Sofa Tidies. 


Legglns. 


Tidies. 



We give personal instructions free of charge, for doing all this large variety of beautiful work, at the salesroom 
of the Company, to any one buying a Machine. 



Copyright Secured. 



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Illustrated Iiistraction Book for tlie Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 



EXPLANATION OF FIG. 1. 

A Thvunb-screw, to fasten machine to table. 

B Yarn-stand. 

C Pins for bobbins. 

D Yarn-carrier and Sliding-ring to wliich the carrier is attached. 

E Machine Handle. 

F Buckle. 

G Weights. 

H Revolving Cylinder. 

I .- Needle 

J Ring-clasp. n 

K Cam for changing the length of stitch. 

L Indicator to show the distance moved. 

M Swing-cams and their thumb-screws. 

N Pins for Flat Web. 

O .-. -Set-up. 

P Looper. 

Q Bobbin- winder. 

R Take-up. 

Referring to the engra^nng, Fig. 1, it will be seen that the machine, exclusive of needles 
and the toothed wheel, consists of only sixteen parts, as follows: (A), thumb-screw to fasten 
machine to tables (B) yarn-stand; (C) pins for bobbins; (D) yarn-carrier and shding-ring to 
which carrier is attached ; (E) machine liandle ; (F) buckle ; (G) weights ; (H) revolving cyhn- 
der ; (I) needle cyhnder ; (J) ring-clasp ; (K) cam and screw for changing stitch ; (L) indicator. 

Copyright Secured. 



Illustrated Instrnctiou Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 



to show distance moved ; (M) swing-cams and their thumb-screws ; (N) pins for knitting flat 
web ; (O) set-up ; (P) looper. 

The three lirst and the three List enumerated, as well as the buckle (F) and the weight (G), 
are not moving parts, the latter being only eight in number. On the bottom of the revolving 
cylinder are formed teeth which mesh into a beveled gear turned by the crank (E). The yarn, 
being wound upon a bobbin, is placed on one of the pins, (C). It is passed over the yarn-stand 
(B), and tlience through a hook in the top of a bent bar (D) called the "carrier." This carrier is 
fastened to the revolving cylinder (H), which carries the cams, and travels with it, carrying the 
yarn, and holding it in just the right position to be caught by the hook of each needle, as the 
latter is depressed by the action of the cams. To enable the reader to comprehend the action of 
these parts, we must first explain the stitch taken in the knitting of an ordinary' stocking. 

CAMS OR LOCKS EMPLOYED FOR MOVING THE NEEDLES 
UP AND DOWN. 
FiQ- ^ Fig. 2 shows the movable cam " K," by the regulation 

I if whicli tlie stitches are made longer or shorter. The set- 
ting of this cam isdone by the middle thumb-screw "K,"(see 
Fig. 1,) the indicator point, "L," moving over a scale, showing 
|H| the proper degree of lengthening and shortening the stitches. 




Tlius, when the cam " K" is lowered, the stitches are made 

longer, as the needles are drawn down farther into the 

grooves of the cyhnder, and require more yarn to form the 

stitches. And when the cam "K" is raised, the stitch is 

made shorter, as the needles are not di-awn so far into the grooves of the cylinder, thereby using 

less yarn. 

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Illustrated Iiistrnctiou Book for the Bickford Family Kuitting Machine. 



M, M, in Fig. 2, represents swing-cams; these are screwed on to the inside of the revolving 
cylinder H, Fig. 1, and as they are carried around by the revolving cylinder, the angular bent 
part or foot, R, (see Fig. 3,) of the needle passes through the curved space between the cams, 
Fig. 2 ; and as the needles are held from moving sidewise, by being placed in grooves formed in 
the needle cylinder I, Fig. 1 , they are forced up and down as desired. Each row of loops is 
also sustained by means of the needles themselves, as the needle cylinder prevents their bending 
inward, and keeps them in a vertical position, as shown in Fig. 1. 

Always, in knitting Circular Web, the forward swing (M) should be up, so, to free the latches 
or raise them aliove tli.e loops, that the needles, as they are drawn down by cam "K," may throw 
them oft', thus forming new stitches. And the back swing-cam (M) should be down, so that the 
latches of the needles, coming up in position (after having been drawn down by cam "K"), may 
be held down imtil they are ready to be raised up by the forward swing-cam (M) again ; this 
prevents them flying up and dropping stitches. 

In knitting a Flat Web or Heel, both of the swing-cams "M, M," must be uji, as the latch has 
to be freed or raised above the loops in knitting either way, for, as the carrier " D " is reversed 
to knit in the opposite direction, the needles must be driven up to free the latches before being 
drawn do^vn by cam "K." 

If both swing-cams, "M, M," are doicn, the machine Mill not knit either a cylindrical or a 
flat web, as there is nothing to raise the needles high enough to release the latches. In this 
position the work cannot be ran off', should the machine be turned in either direction. Practice 
knitting both cii-cular and flat web until you thoroughly understand the stitch-cam "K" and 
swing cams "M, M," before commencing any particular work. 



Copyrlgbt Secured. 




Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford family Knitting Machine. 



FIG-. 3, SHOWING THE OPERATION OF THE NEEDLE 
IN FORMING LTHE STITCH. 

Fig 3 represents four of the needles with the yarn looped 
'thereon as when the machine is at work. The needle employed is 
shown complete at No. 1. In the other numbers a portion of the 
lower part is broken away. The needle consists of a body, an angu- 
lar bent portion or foot, K, a hook, S, and a latch, T. The latter is 
pivoted to the body of the needle at U, and works partly m a slot 
formed in the body. The latch has, moreover, a spoon-shaped end, 
shown at V, which, when the latch is closed, as shown m needle JNo. 
2, meets and partly shuts over the point. of the hook, S, so that the 
loop formed on the needle easily slips ofl' when the latter makes its 
downward movement. The needle, as shown, is covered by two 
direct Patents, secured by Dana Bickford, the inventor oi the 
machine, bv which he obviates the necessity of using all tormer de- 
vices for holding the needles or opening and closing the latches to 
prevent splitting the larger sizes of yarn. One of these improve- 
ments is the depression or hollow shown at Z, Fig. 3. This allows 
the loop, when passing o& the needle, to always pass under the point 
of the opened latch, so that the latter is closed by the loop itselt, 
avoiding all strain upon the needle, or liabiUty to break, from rigid 
parts getting out of adjustment. The deeper depression, T, is also 
another improvement, the use of which will ])e explained when de- 
narrowing, further on. Now let the reader suppose one hue of stitches 



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Illustrated lustructioii Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 11 

iili-eady formed on these needles, as shown in the engraving, and the tliread of yarn to be knit, 
so lield that the needle marked will hook over it when the latter descends. The thread will be 
drawn down by the needle nntil tlie latch, T, meets the loop previously formed. This loop, slid- 
ing along the body of the needle, lifts the latch and closes it into the position shown in No. 2. 
The loop then slides off the needle as it continues to descend, and the thread, being di'awn 
down through the former loop, forms a new loop, tlu'ough which the needle will pass in rising, 
as shown in No. 4, opening tlie latch, and leaving the hook free to engage the yarn when the 
latter is brought under it again, and so on. 

Now, it is obvious that if we supply mechanism that will bring the yarn under the hook at 
the proper moment, and also move the needles up and down successfully, and also provide a 
device for supporting each row of loops till the next row is formed, we shall have a machine that 
will knit a straight tube. 

As soon as the reader understands how this is done, we shall be able to explain Kbw widen- 
ing and narrowing can be done, and how a variety of stitches can be made, or a flat web knit. 

TO WIND THE BOBBIN. 

Fasten the l)ol)bin winder "Q," to the end of a table. Screw the small 
clamp (found in the box) to one side of the table and place the swift upon it, put a 
skein of yarn upon the swift, (adjusting them to suit the length of it,) find the end 
and commence to wind, using the right hand to turn the handle, and the left to 
hold the yarn. Begin at the base or large end of liolibin, filling it in the form of a 
cone, always keeping an even slant. (See cut.) The hand that holds the yarn should 
continue to move back and forth with the yarn, up and down the cone, being care- 
ful that one com-se does not bind in another, but let them run up and down 

Oopyriglit Secured. 




Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Macliine. 



smoothly so that the yarn, in knitting, will rnn off the top witliont clinging or causing tension. 

Coarse or hard twisted yarn should be wound close, l)ut tine or soft-t^visted yarns or 
worsted should he wound loosely but smooth. Great care should be taken in winding them 
properly, as a poor or unevenly wound bobl)in will make tlie machine run badly when every- 
thing else is right. 

TAKING- OUT NEEDLES. 

To take out the needles, first open the clasp J, then lift them out of the open space; if 
you wish to take out one or two when tlie work is on, put the loops on the adjoining needles. 

OILING THE MACHINE. 

Oil the machine with prepared knitting machine or sewing machine oil. (See bottle sent 
with machine.) 

The parts requiring to he oiled are the cams, butts of needles, and the Tjcarings of crank or 
handle. 

Open the clasp (J) and drop a little oil on each side of the cam, also a drop on the biitts of 
say fifteen (15) needles, in different places around the machine. 

In cleaning the machine, (which should be done frequently), remove the ring-clasp (J), take 
out the needles and remove the revolving cylinder "H," wipe off the old oil, dust and lint that 
collects around the cams and bed plates of the machine, and put a little fresh oil around the 
cams. Keplace the revolving cyhnder, then wipe each needle separately and dip the butt of 
every 12th or 15th needle in the oil before inserting it in the machine. 

Copyright S«curta. 



Illustrated lustriiction Book for tlie Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 13 



CHANGING THE LENGTH OF STITCH. 

The stitch can be made lunger oi- shi>rter, so as to knit open or close work, by raising or 
lowering the movable cam "K" (see tig. 2). The indicator "I," moving over a scale shows the 
distance moved. Thus, to make a long stitch, loosen the thumb screw " K," and loiver it until the 
stitch is long enough for the yarn to be used, being very careful to tighten the screw, after mov- 
ing it, before turning the machine. 

To make a short stitch, loosen the thumb-screw " Iv," and raise it enough to tighten the stitch 
as desired, or according to the yarn to be used, remembering to tighten the screw after mo\'ing 
it, as stated before. The closer the stitch the m.ore iveight is required to keep the loops down to 
the cylinder, so that the needles can pass up through them to form the next stitch. 

If the yarn runs loose over the needles without making a perfect stitch, the cam screw "K" 
is probably loose, or the stitcli is too short for the^yarn used, requiring the cam "K"tobe 
lowered. 

If the stitches cling to the needles as they are driven up to catch the yarn at the carrier D, 
the stitch is too short, or there is not weight enough, and you can see at once they will not knit, 
as the needle has to pass up through to bring the latch of the needle above the loop, so that, in 
drawing down after it hascaught the yarn, it can close the latch over the hook and allow tlie loop to 
pass over tlie end to form the next row of stitches. You can use one, two, or three threads, being 
sm-e that the length of the stitch is sufficient to prevent the work from being too dose. It is 
better to practice on some plain work until you understand the machine thoroughly, for if these 
rules are not followed the work will not prove satisfactory. 

Copyright Secured. 



Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 



TO SET UP THE WORK 

Bring the carrier (D) to the right liand side of tlie machine opposite the tu'St pin for bob- 
bin. Place the bobbins upon tlie pins (C), and put the yarn through the eye bf yarn-stand (B), 
(hrectly over the bobbin from wliich you wish to knit; put the yarn through the upper eye of 
carrier (D), bringing the end inside the cyhnder; put the set-up in the centre of the macliine, 
bringing the hooks even witli the top of the cyhnder ; thread the yarn upward through the eye 
of tlie looper (see cut), ch-awing through about two yards, or enough to form the loops ; use the 
left hand to hold tlie set-up in place, and the right to form the loops. This is done by bringing 
the looper on the right side of carrier (D), then putting the yarn over a hook of the set-up, and 
then up round a needle from right to left, which twists the yarn around the needle, and forms a 
loop ; then around another hook and up round the next needle as before ; continue looping the 
yarn round the hooks and needles until you have all aljove the cylinder filled ; now attach the 
weight-hook to the end of the set-up, and suspend yoiu* weights from it (see cut) ; now tiu-n 
your machine slowly to the right to bring up the remaining needles, and fill these also with 
stitches ; drop the looper and end of yarn in the centre of set-up, and turn the handle slowly until 
every stitch is jierfect, and you have adjusted your cam (K) to the size of yarn used and length 
of stitch required. This forms a selvedge edge at the top of your work — ^the shorter your loops 
the closer your selvedge. 

In using the 72 needle cylinder, the thread should be doubled over every other hook of the 
set-up, and in using the 100 needle cylinder, it must be doubled on every hook as you have 
only 50 hooks and 100 needles, or you can stai-t with a piece of knit work by passing it up 
through the cyhnder and putting a loop over each needle, or as many as is necessary ; put on the 
buckle "F," and weights "G," (see cut), and thread the carrier as described above; then proceed 
to knit. 

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Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 



TAKE-UP. 

The take-up is to be used when knitting a heel, flat wel), or in any place where it is re- 
quired to knit backward and forward. 

It is for taking up the slack yarn that is made while reversing the carrier or bringing it in 
position to knit in the opposite direction. 

When used for the heel of stocking or sock, after the leg has been knit in a circular web, the 
stitch cam (K) should be lowered a little to make the stitch longer, as the friction of the take- 
up makes the stitch a little shorter. 

To thread for use, draw the yarn down through the slot in the front arm of the yarn stand, 
(see cut) and attach to the take-up. In using coarse j'arns the thread should lie wound once 
around the back arm of the yarn-stand. 

THE SPRING- TAKE-UP. 

To use the Spring Take-up, put tlie yarn up over the (centre arm of the yarn-stand, " B," 
pass it along down through tlie second slot, then up through the third slot, then up over the 
spring and down through the front eye. The take-up is regulated by the small screw in the back. 

FLAT WEB. 

The object of the holes in the base of the machine is to insert the pins (found with the extra 
needles) for the purpose of gauging the width of work to be knit. For example, in using twelve 
needles (which, for convenience, should be placed in the back part of tlie machine), insert these 
pins, one on each side, far enough beyond the needles (say four holes or spaces) so that each 
stitcli can be formed perfectly on either side of the web. 

For knitting flat web, hot% swing CAMS sh&uM be np, and the take-up should be 
used. 

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Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 17 

Commence the work with the set-up or a piece of knit work (see direction) and knit across. 
As the carrier (D) strikes the pins, continiie turning the machine imtil the sliding ring that the 
carrier (D) is attached to comes to a full stop, or the carrier is brought in front of the back 
swing cam. It is then in position to knit the other way. Knit back to the opposite side, being 
careful to reverse the carrier as before, and so continue knitting back and forth, being sure to 
make this change every time, or it will throw off the stitches on the backward course. 

Any number of needles can be used, from one to the whole circle. 

The full width of the machine can be knit by selecting some point for the selvedge (which, 
for convenience, can be in the front part of the machine), leave the carrier in the back part of 
the machine in ft-ont of the yarn-stand. Now raise up 20 needles on the right of the 
point selected,- insert one pin iive spaces to the right of the point, or opposite the sixth needle 
raised, and knit aromid to the pin ; reverse the carrier and knit back to the yarn-stand; push 
down the twenty needles that were raised, and raise up twenty more on the left of the 
point selected, and move the pin five spaces to the left of the point : knit around to the pin 
again ; reverse and knit back to the yarn-stand ; push down the raised needles, and raise up 
twenty on the right side, and move the pin as before. Continue knitting back and forth, push- 
ing down, raising up needles, and moving the pin as directed. In this way a much wider web 
can be knit, but it requires more time to do it, as enough needles must be raised, each time 
knitting across, for the cams to pass under and reverse the carrier without di-opping stitches. 

To knit flat webs together, first knit one web, and when you commence tlie next one take 
the fii'st short loop of the selvedge of the lower right-hand corner of the web already knit and 
put it over the last needle in the row, or at the left hand side when the carrier stands to the 
right. Then knit across to the left, and back to the right again ; throw over the next short loop 
of the selvedge, and continue to knit and pass over loops, till the web you are knitting is as long 
as the other. 

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18 Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 

To join these to another, pass them both tip through the cyhnder as before ; in this manner 
you can knit strips of any width, or can connect narrow strips of different colors to form tidies 
and other fancy work. 

SEAMING. 

To make two and one seamed work, take out evov third needle. 

To make three and one seamed work, talce out every foiu-th needle. 

To make four and one seamed work, take out e^ery lifth needle. 

KNITTING UP STITCHES. 

If, through mistake or carelessness, a stitch is dropped, it can be knit up so neatly that it is 
impossible to detect it after knitting a few rows. Take one of the needles and pass it down 
under the threads, or between the work and cylinder; catch the stitch and push the needle 
through it far enough to get the stitch beyond the latch; then, with the hook, lift the tliread last 
raveled, or the one next the stitch, on to the latch of the needle, draw the needle up far enough 
to drop off the stitch first taken up; this leaves a new stitch on the needle; push the needle 
down through it again far enough to get the stitch beyond the latch ; lift on to the latch of the 
needle the next thread, and proceed as before. A little practice enables one to do this perfectly. 

BALMOEAL WORK. 

To knit balmoral work, select the colored yarns to be used, winding each color on a sepa- 
rate bobbin, using them as you would balls in hand knitting, always changing on the same 
needle, which, for convenience, can be in the centre of the back part of the machine ; then knit 
the number of times round desired with the first color, and place the bobbin of the color just 
finished in tlie inside of the web, being sure to take this yarn from the carrier. Then put the 
second color into the carrier, under the hook of the needle above-mentioned, thus ending and 

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Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Macliine. 19 



commencing on the same needle. In this way any number of colors can be used, according to 
the taste of the operator. 

KNITTING A SOCK. 

Put the machine in order for circular work, by having the front swing cam (M) up and the 
back swing cam (M) down, and arranging the stitch cam (K) for the size of yarn to be used. 
If you are not sm-e on tliis point, it is better to practice with the different sizes of yarn you 
would be most likely to use, as it is impossible to give an exact position for the indicator (L) on 
every style and size of yarn. The carrier (D) should be, when in position to knit, just as far 
ahead of the front swing cam (M) as it is possible to push it. K you wish the sock ribbed at the 
top, take out every third or fourth needle. Set the work up in the usual way, (see direction,) 
and knit around thirty-live times for the rib — then put in the needles previously taken out, and 
take the upper part of the adjoining stitch below, and put it over the needle just put in, to form 
a new stitch. 

For a plain sock, knit around from seventy to ninety times, according to the size of yarn used 
and length required for the leg, leaving the carrier (D) on the back part of the machine, in 
front of the yarn-stand. Set tlie heel, which is done by raising up thirty-four needles, for the 
instep, in the front part of the machine, so the cams will pass under them, and thus prevent 
them from knitting. 

Put in the pins (N N) one on either side, four spaces or holes from the needles you wish 
to knit — put up your back swing cam (M), then remove the set up and weights, putting on the 
buckle and weights, droiwing the work un the bacls, or hsel, through the buckle as 
tightly as possible ; now turn the handle as far as you can, to the left, and raise up the last 
needle knit on that side ; reverse and knit back to tlie right, and raise up the last needle knit on 
tluit side ; reverse and knit back to the left, holding the work down lirmly on the inside with 

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20 lUusti-ated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Macliine. 

the left liand wliile knitting across, (for if the latch is not free, or raised above the stitch, it will 
not throw it off when the needle is di'awu down, but will leave two threads or a loop-stitch npou 
the needle). Continue to knit across and to raise up needles, until you have all up but sixteen, 
or liave raised up eleven needles on each side ; and, as you raise up the eleventh needle on the 
right hand side, commence to widen out, by pusliing down the last needle that you raised, or to 
eleventh, on the left hand side, opposite the carrier. Knit across and push down one on 
the other side, or the right hand side, as the carrier stands to the left. Knit across again, and 
push down one as before, (always on the opposite side from the carrier), and so continue to do 
until ten of the raised needles on each side are down. This leaves one raised needle on each 
side, which should be pushed down with the instep needles so as to prevent any holes in the 
corners of the lieel. (It is very easy to tell which have been raised in knitting, as each one has 
a thread and stitch on it.) Put down the back swing cam (M), take out the pins (N N), and 
push down all the raised needles, (being sure that the latches are down). 

For ordinary yarn, knit around seventy times for the foot, then it is ready for the toe. Now 
prepare machine the same as for heel, only raising up one half or thirty-six needles, instead of 
thirty-four. Put up the back swing cam (M), insert the pins (N N), and knit to the left as far as 
possible, (or far enough to reverse the carrier). Kaise up the last needle that knit (allo^ving the 
thread to pass out around the needle raised). Kjiit back to the riglit, and raise up the last 
needle that knit on that side. Reverse and knit to the left again, raising up a needle as before. 
Continue to do this until you have raised up thirteen needles on each side, or have all up but 
ten needles. Tliis brings the carrier (D) to the left hand side of the machine. "Widen out by 
pushing down the last needle raised, or the one on the right hand side, opposite from tlie carrier. 
Knit across and push down one on the left hand side, as tlie carrier stands to the right. Knit 
across again, and push down one as before, (always on the opposite side from the carrier,) and 
so continue until all of the raised needles, or thirteen on each side, are down. Knit around once 

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Illastrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Macliine. 21 

or twice plain, to allow for any mishap which might occur in taking the 
sock from the machine, which is done by breaking the thread at carrier (D), 
and turning the handle, as in knitting. Join the top of the foot to the top 
of the toe with the mending stitch, (see cut) by raveling the extra rows 
knit, thread this into a worsted or darning needle, commence at the end 
where you left ofl" raveling, take up one stitch on tlie top of the foot, and 
one from the toe, drawing the thread through, about the same tension as 
the knitting itself ; now take the under half of the stitch on the foot that 
you had taken before, and the next stitch to it, (being careful to keep 
the stitch from twisting ;) next take the under half of the stitch on the toe 
that you had taken before, and the next stitch to it, being very careful to 
hold the remaining stitches in place with the thiunb, or they will ravel 
down while you are pulhng the thread tlirough the stitches ; so continue, 
alternating from one side to the other, until the foot is joined. If done 
neatly it is impossible to detect where it is joined, or tellit from the knit- 
ting ,itself, and with very little practice it can be learned. 
The square heel is knit as follows: Leave the carrier (D) on the back part of the machine 
and raise up thirty-four needles in the front for instep ; put up the back swing cam ("M,") insert 
the pins (" N N,") as in the round heel, knit across, back and forth, thirty-eight times, run the 
heel oif, and join the end with the mending stitch, or knit thirty-six times and join on the ma- 
chine, which is done by running oif eighteen stitches on each side, and leaving two in the centre ; 
now pick up a stitch on either side next to the two . needles, and put it on the needles ; knit 
across once and pick up the next two stitches ; knit across again and pick up two more ; so con- 
tinue until you have picked them all up, and have only the two stitches left ; now pick up the 
long loops of the selvedge edge of the heel on the needles that the heel was on before, and push 

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22 Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 

down the raised needles. Take out the pins, put down the back cam, and proceed to knit the foot. 

The toe can be narrowed by raising up half the needles, as in the round heel sock, and nar- 
rowing every time across, by removing the edge stitch (on the side opposite the carrier) to 
the next needle. Knit across and narrow the same way on that side ; do this until you have 
six or seven stitches left; run these ofi'the machine, and draw a thread through to prevent them 
from raveling while narrowing the other side, which is done by pushing down the needles raised, 
and knitting across, narrowing one stitch every revolution, as before. 

Connect the first half to the one you are knitting, (see Flat Web,) or yon can join the 
selvedge by hand ; this makes a very nice toe, but the round toe is preferable. 

To narrow a stocking or sock on a circular web, commence as directed for new work. If 
you wish it seamed at the top, take out every third or fourth needle, knitting about three inches, 
more or less, in length ; then return them to their place again, taking the under part of the ad- 
joining stitch and piitting it over the needle which was just put in, to form a new stitch. Then 
knit on three or four inches plain. The stitch may be made loose over the calf of the leg, and 
gradually tightened to the ankle, shaping it nicely ; or it may be narrowed down to the size de- 
sired by taking out needles. This is done by first taking out one exactly in front, putting the 
stitch over the next needle, then knit round six or seven times, and take out the third needles 
on both sides of the one first taken out ; knit round six or seven times again and take out two 
more ; so continue to knit and take out needles till the leg is narrowed to the size desired ; you 
are then ready for the heel. For a common sock you will usually need to take out thirteen or 
fifteen needles; the number of times knitting between the needles taken out may be determined 
by the length you wish the leg of the sock to be, which is about one hundred times round for a 
common sock. Knit the heel and foot like the ordinary sock, or make a gored foot, (see Ladies' 
Stocking). 

If a larger stocking or sock is wanted than can be knit on a circle, the top, or leg to the 

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Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Macliine. 



23 



anJcle, can be knit in two webs, and joined together on machine, (see knitting flat webs together). 
If joined neatly, it can hardly be seen, when finished. 

To knit double heels and toes use two tlu-eads. 

Old he'ils and toes are quickly and nicely mended by knitting new ones on, saving mucli 
time and trouble. 

The minute description of tliis process may give an impression that the manipulation is 
(•ompHcated. Tliis is not the case, however. Any person of ordinary intelligence, in a single 
sitting of lialf an hour, can knit a sock perfectly. 



LADIES' STOCKINGS. 

Before commencing a stocking you must be familiar with kiutting flat as well as circular 
web. With ordinary two-tlu'ead Saxony yarn, lase the flne, or 100 needle cylinder, leaving out 
one needle in the front part of the macliine for the seam in the back of the stocking. Set up 
the work in the usual way, and knit around twenty times. Then knit three or four rows of 
fancy work (any stitch the taste may dictate), then knit 100 times for the leg before narrowing. 
Now open the ring clasp (" J"), and take out one needle next to the one abeady out, putting tlie 
stitch over the next needle. Raise up twenty needles on the right hand side of those taken out, 
(so that, in reversing, the cams can pass mider them without knitting), put one pin in five spaces 
or needles, to the right of those taken out. Put up the back swing cam. Knit as far as you 
can to the left, (being sure that you have reversed the carrier, or that it is brought in position to 
knit the opposite way). Knit back, leaving the carrier in front of the yarn-stand, and push down 
the raised needles. Then raise up twenty on the left hand side, and move the pin five needles or 
spaces to the left. Knit around to tlie right, reverse, and knit back to the yarn-stand, pnsliing 
down and raising up needles, and moving the pin as before. Continue to do this until you have 



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24 Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 

kuit back and forth eight times. Narrow again by taking out two needles, one on each side of 
those ab-eady out, putting the stitches over the next needles. Knit back and forth eight times 
again, (being very careful to leave the carrier opposite the yarn-stand each time before making 
the changes). Narrow two needles again, one on each side of those already out. linit back 
and forth eight times again, (being very careful to leave the carrier opposite the yarn-stand each 
time before making the changes) ; continue to do this until you have narrowed, or taken out nine- 
teen needles, knitting eight times between each narrowing. Now insert the two pins, as du-ected 
for flat web, and knit back and forth forty times for the ankle. Then drop off twenty -two stitches 
on each side, (run a thread through these stitches, if youhke, to prevent them from raveling while knit- 
ting the foot,) move up the pins and knit across seventy -five times for the top of the foot. Knit the 
toe by raising up one needle on the side with the carrier. Knit across and raise up one on that side. 
Knit back and raise up one as before. So continue until you liave all up but twelve needles. 
Commence and widen out by pushing down the last needle raised up or the one on the opposite 
side from the carrier. Knit across and push down one on that side. Knit across again and p\ish 
down one as before. Continue knitting across and pushing down needles until all but one are 
down. When you push down the last needle, take the last short loop of the selvedge (on same 
side) on the top of the foot and put it over this needle. Knit across and put the last short loop 
of the selvedge on the other side over the end needle. Knit across and put it over on the other 
side. So continue to knit across and put over the short loops of the selvedge (always being sure 
to put them over the end needle that is opposite the carrier) until you have knit sixty-seven 
times, when you are ready to form the gore. To do this, put in two needles, one on each side, 
and put the under part of the adjoining stitches over them, to form new stitches. Put the loops 
of the selvedge of the top of the foot over these needles, and knit back and forth as before. 
Then put in two needles again, one on each side, putting the under part of the next stitch over 
them, and also the loop of the selvedge as before, and knit back and forth again. Continue 

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Illustrated lustrnction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 25 

putting in needles until you have as many stitches as you di-opped off from the ankle, or have 
made fom- new stitches on each side. You are now ready to knit the heel, by raising up one 
needle on the same side with the carrier. Knit across and raise up one on the other side. Knit 
across again and raise up one as before. Continue raising up needles imtil you have only eight- 
een down. Now widen out by pushing down the last needle raised up, or the one on the oppo- 
site side of the carrier. Knit across and push down one on the other side. Knit across again 
ai;i4 push down one as before. Continue to do this until all of the raised needles are down. 
Knit across once or twice plain, and run it oft". Sew up the leg by taking each short loop of 
the selvedge, and join the heel to the ankle with the mending stitch. (See Sock.) 

The foot can be knit without joining on the machine, then sewed by hand afterwards. 

It will make a much nicer looking seam in the back, if the narrowing is done on the third 
needle in from the selvedge, instead of taking the stitches from the edge of the selvedge, as is 
done in the ordinary waj'. 

It also makes nicer looking heels and toes to push the needles (in widening) down on the 
same siiHe -with the carrier (instead of on the opposite side, as is given in directions for stock- 
ings), being very careful to lift the tlu-ead in around the needle pushed down, that it may knit 
on the backward coiu-se. More care must be used in knitting this way. 

If you wish for an extra strong selvedge at the top of the stocking, use double thread in 
setting it up. If you wish the stocking to go above the knee, or to be very long, knit more 
times before commencing to narrow. 

K you wish a quicker slope on the leg, knit less times between the narrowings. The same 
judgment should be used in knitting a stocking on the machine that would be used in knitting 
one by hand. Diflerent sizes of yarn require more or less times knitting around. It would be 
very easy to tell how many rounds to knit, if you would knit one inch of length of the yarn to 
be used — counting the number of times required to make the inch ; then lind out how many 

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Illustrated Instructiou Book for the Bickford Family Kuittiug- Macliiue. 



inches loug tlie sock or stocking is to be, and multiply the mimber of times required to make 
one inch by the number of inches ; also the foot in the same way. 

CHILDREN'S STOCKINGS. 

To knit a stocking of three tin-ead Saxony yarn, for a child ten years old, use the fine or 
one huncb-ed needle cylinder; knit it fiat web on eighty needles; set up the work in the usual 
way; knit across twi'nty tint's plain; then put in four rows of fancy work, and knit across c»ie 
hundred times plain auaiii; narrow by taking the stitch from each end needle, and putting it 
over the next; knit aciu-^s six times, and narrow as before; continue to knit and narrow, knitting 
six times between, until 3'ou have narrowed ten needles on each side, or have sixty stitches left; 
knit twenty times aci'oss for ankle; then di'op ofl' sixteen stitches from each side for heel; knit 
across fifty times for the top of the foot, and narrow the toe by raising up ten needles on each 
side, which leaves eight down : widen out by pushing down the needles (see sock); then knit 
across forty-six times for the under part of the foot (joining it to the top by macliine), when yon 
are ready to form the gore; insert two needles on each side, and make an extra stitch every 
time knitting across, until you have made four new stitches, when you are ready for the heel; 
narrow it down to twelve needles, then widen out again; knit across once or twice plain, then 
run it off, and close it the same as the lady's stocking. This makes a very nice stocking, 
especially for little girls. 

Seamed stockings should be knit on the fine cylinder, with every tliird or fourth needle out ; 
knit on the circular web one hundred and twenty-five times around; then arrange the machine 
for flat web, and commence to narrow, raising up needles, and moving the pin (see lady's stock- 
ing), narrow nineteen needles, knitting live times between each narrowing; knit twenty times 
for ankle; ch-op oti" thirteen needles on each side, for heel; knit across fifty times for the top of 
the foot, then insert the needles taken out for the seams (so that the toe and bottom of foot may 



Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 



be knit plain), and narrow the toe clown to eight needles, and widen ont again (by raising up 
and pushing down needles); knit across forty-six times for the bottom of the foot (joining it 
to the top by machine); knit the gore as described above, then knit tlie heel, and run it ofl". In 
joining the heel to the ankle, with the mending stitch, be siu'e and take two stitches on tlie 
needle from the heel-side every time you come to a seam or where the needle was taken out. 

The leg of seamed stockings can be knit circular, and the foot knit on flat web; this shape 
does very well for boy's stockings. 

After learning to knit the sizes given, you will see how to arrange the machine for any size 
reqmred. 

LADIES' LEQGINS. 

For Ladies' Leggins use the coarse cylinder. Set the work up in tlie usual way, having the 
stitch rather long: knit aroimd one hmidred times plain: now commence to narrow by taking 
ont one needle in the back part of the machine opposite the j'arn-stand, putting the stitch on the 
next needle : knit around seven times, and take out the third needle on both sides of the one 
first taken out : knit around seven times again, and take out the third needle, as before : continue 
to knit and take out needles, knitting seven times between, until you have out twenty-four or 
one-third of the' needles: knit around twenty-five times for the ankle : run ofl' one-half of the 
stitches, being the twenty-fom- in the front part of the machine ; put up the back swing cam and 
insert the pins for flat-web, being particular to see that the carrier is in proper position to knit 
before proceeding with the instep — also change the weight, as a much lighter one is required for 
the flat-web. Knit back and forth four times, and narrow by taking the stitch from eacli end 
needle, and putting it over the next : knit across four times and narrow as before : knit across 
four times again and narrow : fom- times again, and narrow : knit four times and run it all ofl": 
finish with a knitting or crochet needle with the same worsted or yarn used, or some fancy color. 
Stripes can be knit in around the top, or a row of open work for an elastic or cord and tassel. 



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28 



Illustrated Instruction Book for tlie Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 




putting 



CHILDREN'S LEGG-INS. 

For Cliildren's Leggins, use the coarse cylinder. Set the work 
up in the usual way, having every fourth needle out around the ma- 
chine. Knit twenty-five times around plain : open the ring clasp 
and insert the needles that were taken out, putting the under part of 
the adjoining stitches over them, to form new stitches : knit around 
five times plain and stop, leaving the carrier on the back part of tlie 
machine opposite the yarn-stand; commence the Imee by raising up 
one-half of the needles in the front part of the macliine ; put up the 
back swing cam, and insert the pins for flat-web ; knit around to tlie 
left and raise up the last needle that knit: reverse and knit back to 
the right and raise up the last needle that Iniit on that side : Icnit 
back to the left and raise up the last needle again that knit on that 
side : reverse and knit back to the right and raise up as before : con- 
tinue to knit and raise up needles until you have raised five needles 
on each side : then commence and widen out by pushing down the 
last needle raised, or the one on the side . opposite from the carrier : 
knit across and push down as before ; continue to knit across and 
push down needles until you have pushed down four on each side : 
now stop, leaving the carrier on the back part of tlie machine opposite 
the yarn-stand : pusli down the raised needles, put the back swing- 
cam down, take out the pins, and knit fifty times around : now narrow 
tlie ankle by taking out every third needle around the machine, 
vvev the next needles : Icnit around forty times, when you will be ready to 



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Illustrated lustrnctioii Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 29 

knit the instep : do tliis by ruuuing off half or twenty-tbui' stitclies in front : raise up the back 
swang earn and insert the pins for flat web ; proceed as in the instep for ladies' leggins : the 
larger the leggin required, tlie more times must be knit before narrowing the ankle. If a 
smaller one is required, knit it ribbed (two and one or three and one) all the way to the ankle, 
when every other needle should be taken out. K the knee is not desired, knit straight along 
(after inserting the needles that were taken out for the rib at the top,) sixty or more times, and 
narrow the ankle as described before. Leggins knit in stripes of two or more colors, are very 
pretty for chikken : or the centre striped and the top and ankle plain ; instead of the instep a 
regular foot can be knit where the leggin is designed for a very small child, as it is much warmer 
and more comfortalile in every way. 

WRISTLETS. 

Wristlets can be knit single or double, of either silk or wool ; also knit plain, or in any 
of the fancy stitches. 

For a handsome as well as serviceable pair of Gent's double Wristlets, use chinchilla 
and scarlet German zephyr. Knit them on the fine, or one hundred needle cylinder, with 
every other needle out, all the way around the machine. Knit eighty times around, plain : 
then put in one row of scarlet then two rows of chinchilla, t len i'our rows of zig-zag stitch 
in scarlet, two rows of chinchilla, one row of scarlet, one of chinchilla, one of scarlet, then two 
of chinchilla, four rows of zig-zag stitch in scarlet, then twenty row.s of chinchilla ; turn this 
twenty rows inside, and turn the other end in far enough to meet it, and join with the mend- 
ing .stitch (see sock). Ladies' Wristlets can be koit double on the flat web, as forty needles 
are sufiicient 

A handsome pair of Ladies' single Wristlets are knit as follows : Use the coarse cylin- 
der, and knit them of pink and white Garman zephyr. Set it up flat web on forty needles ; 

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Illustrated Iiistructioii Book for the Bickford Faiuily Knitting Maclune. 



commeace with pink, and knit four rows across plain, then four rows of cable stitch, then two 
rows of plain ; change for white, and knit two rows plain, then one row of braided stitch, 
then two rows plain ; change for pink, and kait two rows plain, then four rows of cable 
stitch, tW'i rows plain; change for white, and knit two rows plain, then one row of braided 
stitch, then two plain ; change for pink, knit two rows plain, four rows cable stitch, then four 
rows plain ; now knit in thi'eo rows of some other color, and commence the other one. 
Crochet the ends very loosely, and sew up the selvedge edges. 

BLOCK /WORK 

To make block work, use two colors, 
say scarlet and white; take, for example, 
twenty-four needles ; set up the work, and 
knit tlie first 4 stitches scarlet, the next 4 
white, the next 4 scarlet, the next 4 white 
(slipping the wliite yarn in back of the 
needles wlien knitting with scarlet, and the 
scarlet in back of the needles when knitting 
the wiiitc, whah lu ikcs the work double). Knit across four times; knitting the scarlet always 
on the same needles, and the wliite always on the same. Now reverse the colors, and knit across 
four times again, using white where the scarlet was before, and scarlet where tlie wliite was; 
continue to do this, reversing tlie colors, being careful to knit only four times across each time 
before reversing, or the blocks will not be perfect. 

Diamonds can be formed in the same way, by taking the same number of needles and 
knitting the first 5 stitches scarlet, the next stitch white, then 5 scarlet, then 1 white; 5 scarlet, 
1 white, 5 scarlet and 1 white; knit across again, having the first 2 stitches white, then 3 scarlet. 

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Illustrated lustraction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 31 

3 white, 3 scarlet, 3 white, 3 scarlet, 3 white, 4 scarlet; knit back again, having the first 3 
stitches scarlet, then 5 white, 1 scarlet, 5 white, 1 scarlet, 5 white, 1 scarlet and 3 white. 
Now commence to decrease the white in the same ratio as yoii increased it, and you will have 
diamonds of white all the way across. In this way any figures, letters, flowers, &c., can be knit 
into a garment by folloMang a pattern, the same as would be done by hand. 

Block work is not so fest knitting as plain work, but at^er a httle practice one can get 
along quite rapidly. 

Children's mittens knit, and spots put in of different color, are pretty ; also leggins, with 
a row of blocks or diamonds in the centre. 

Shppers, mittens, saeques, caps, &c., are very nice, knit in this way, and they are much 
warmer and more serviceable, being double. 

The slipper represented by the cut is knit in block work — scarlet and white — and trimmed 
with ruching around the top. 

MITTENS. 

For heavy yarn use the coarse cyhnder, and if for a gentleman, use the whole circle. Set 
the_work up in the usual way, putting in fancy stitches or ruching for gauntlet, then take out 
every third needle to make it smaller at the wrist. Knit six or eight rows ; then insert tlie 
needles and knit the necessary length for the hand, (which is generally as many times around as 
there are needles in use) ; narrow and close the end like the toe of a stocking, or it can be nar- 
rowed off in two or more parts flat web (narrovsdng in the third needle from the selvedge) by 
narrowing (always on the side opposite from the carrier " D ") one stitch every time across 
until there are only four stitches remaining. Then cut one stitch on the 22d row from the 
wrist, and ravel across the mitten one third of the stitches for tlie thumb, allowing three-fourths 
of these stitches for the inside of the hand. Take up tlie stitches on the top or part toward the 

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wrist on as many needles, and knit as many times across as you have needles in use ; then nar- 
row down to nine needles, run it ofi' (leaving yarn enough to sew it up) and draw the yarn 
through these nine stitches. Sew up the selvedge edges of the thumb, leaving enough loops to 
close with the under half of the stitches that were raveled across, thus forming a gore, and fin- 
ishing up the thumb. For ladies' or childi-en's mittens, they should be knit in a flat web and 
closed up. In this way you can knit in the gore by widening on each side of the selvedge ; 
when you have widened enough stitches for the tluunb, drop them ofi" and proceed to knit the 
hand and narrow it oft"; now take up these stitches that you widened, and knit the thumb as 
before ; close up the mittens, always being careful to mate them. 

Example : For a child twelve years old, take forty-fom- needles (coarse cyUnder), set up 
the work and knit across ten times ; then piit in five or six rows of fancy work (zig-zag or some 
other stitch), then three rows plain. Now take out every other needle and knit across eight 
times for wrist. Put in needles and knit fifty times for hand ; raise iip one half of the needles, 
(counting from the selvedge), narrow like toe of stocking, or on flat web down to four stitches, 
then do the same with the other half. Cut one stitch on the 21st row from the wi-ist down, and 
ravel thirteen stitches for thumb, (being careful to have ten of these stitches for the inside of the 
hand) ; take up the upper half of stitches, (or those toward the wi-ist), knit across twenty-two times, 
then narrow dowai to seven stitches ; leave enough yarn to sew up thimib, run it ofi" and di-aw 
the yarn through the seven stitches, and sew up as directed above. 

Long wi-ists can be knit with either fancy stitches or ruching, or the whole mitten can be 
knit of rucliing, which makes it look like the old-fashioned Fringe Mitten. 

To knit double mittens use two threads. Striped or plaid double mittens are knit by using 
two threads, and knitting on a certain number of needles a certain number of times. For exam- 
ple : knit three stitches scarlet, and the next three white, tkree more scarlet and three more 
white, and so continue all the way around the machine, which will form stripes, or if you want 

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33 



plaids or squares, (see block work), knit three stitches scarlet, tliree white, tliree scarlet and 
three white all the way around the machine ; knit this tliree times, and then reverse the colors. 
If 3-ou want larger plaid, use more needles for each color, always remembering to knit around as 
many times as you have needles of each color, if you want perfect squares or plaids. Diamonds, 
monograms, etc., can be formed in the same way. 



GLOVES. 

Gloves are knit like the mittens as far 
as the wrist, when you commence widen- 
ing on both sides of the selvedge for the 
rhumb. ^Yiden out one stitch each time 
across until you have enough for tlie 
thumb; run these widened stitches off 
and knit across ten or twelve times. Now 
divide the stitches for the lingers, and 
knit each one separately, and close like 

the thumb. In taking up the stitches for the lingers, use two more needles (one on each side) 

than there are stitches, and make stitches on them for the gore, by putting the upper part of 

the adjoining stitches below, on them. The back of the glove can be knit with some fancy 

stitch, or stripes of different colors can be knit in them. 

The cut given represents a glove — the hand part is knit plain ; the gauntlet is knit in two 

pieces and joined on the back where it is narrowed ; it is knit of two colors in the zio--zac stitch ; 

around the wrist and top of the gauntlet it is trimmed with a narrow strip of tufting of two 

colors, and a bow on the back. 




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34 Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 

RUCHING OR TUFTED WORK. 

To knit Euching or Tufted work, we have a number of 
different ways. Set up the woi"k on from three to any num 
ber of needles, say, for example, ten ; knit across, bringing 
the carrier (D) to the left hand side ; take the yai-n fi-om the 
carrier and loop it over the first needle on the left hand side, 
then over your finger or tufter i^sent for the purpose), then 
over the next needle and your finger or tufter again, and so 
continue till your yarn is back to the first needle at the 
right, where you begin to knit ; now turn the carrier (D) 
lound to the needles, holding the yarn in the left hand, so 
that the carrier (D) in passing through will take it, and knit 
acioss to bind in the loops. Be sure to hold down the finger 
or tufter that the loops are on, so that the needles can pass 
up through the loops, and knit them in. You can put your 
^'3 ® woisted or yarn over each needle two or three times, as you 

wish, or you can knit in diamonds, squares, or monograms of different colors. You can make 
the loops as long or as short as you please, also use as many colors as will suit the taste. 

These strips of Euching or Tufted work can be used to trim cloaks, coats, dresses, or 
anything that you would use Astra chan or Fur for ; or can be made into muffs, collars, 
wristers, caps, fringe mittens, etc. Carriage robes can be knit or made from these strip s of 
Euching, in fancy colors or plain; also carriageand door mats. 

In knitting this work you can use one thread for the foundation, and others for the loops, 
if required, or use the one thread for bDth foaadatioaia d loops. Strips of this tufting, with 
fringe attached to the edge of it, make elegant trimmings for dresses, etc. 

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Illustrated Instrnction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 35 

The Hood represented in cut is make of herring-bone stitch, and trimmed with Kuching 
made of white, with a scarlet sqiiare or block knit in it. 

FRINGE. 

In knitting fringe you can use from two to thirty needles, according to the width of 
heading desired. Place the number of needles required for the heading, m the front part of 
the machine ; put three or more needles in the back part, directly opposite ; start up your 
work by using a piece of knit work, as before described, or by looping a thread over a needle, 
then down around the weight-hook, etc. ; now put your yam into the lower eye of carrier 
(D), and turn your machine to the right, (being very careful that the first needle forms a 
perfect stitch) ; continue in this way irntU you have as long a strip as you require. If you 
wish two or more colors, knit around so many times with one color, and then put on the next 
color ; so proceed, being particular to knit each one a given number of times, if you wish it to 
look nice. Ravel out the stitches fi'om the needles in the back part, and tie from two to six 
of these threads together, being careful to knot them close to the heading. If you wish 
fringe half this length, use needles both in front and back of the machine, and cut it in the 
middle. If a longer fringe is wanted, use more needles in the back part of the machine, and 
ravel them out when finished. In this way, fringe any length desired, can be knit. The 
weight-hook will generally be suflicient weight to hold it down ; if, however, more is needed, 
put on the buckle " F." Be very careful to knot it close. You can knit fringe in a flat web, 
with fancy stitch for heading. After learning to knit flat web, you will readily see how you 
can do it. 

CORD. 

In making cord, one, two, three, four or five needles can be used : one will make a chain, 
two a square stitch, three a perfectly round cord, four a square cord, and five round on one 

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side and flat on the other. Put the number of needles required, in the back part of the 
machine ; start it up by looping the thread first over a needle, then down around the weight- 
hook, and up around the next needle, etc. ; then put the yarn through the upper eye of 
carrier " D," being careful that the first needle forms a perfect stitch ; turn the machine to 
the right with the right hand, and hold the yarn in the left hand, drawing it just enough to keep 
it straight between the carrier D and needles, so as to make the last stitch the sane as the 
others, and also to draw the thread close as the machine passes round from the last needle to 
the first. If you wish it flat on the back side, ycu can leave the back loop a little longer, or 
knit directly backward and forward. This well be easily understood when you have your 
machine ready for use. This cord can be used for picture or curtain cords and made of 
difi'erent colors, or can be made into mats, etc. You can also knit around elastii- and other 
cords, with silk or worsted, or around wire tubing, or anything of the kind. The take-up 
" E," can be used in taking up the slack yarn that occurs in going around the cylinder, but 
the hand will be found more reliable. 

CIRCULAR AND SQUARE MATS, TIDIES, TOILET SETS, «Scc. 

can be made of any material, in either plain or fancy stitch, to suit the taste. 

For a circular mat, of ordinary size, use twenty-five needles, and these needles should be 
placed in the back part of the machine. Put the machine in order for flat web, by raising both 
swing cams "M, M," and inserting the pins "N, N," one on either side, four spaces beyond the 
needles: set up the work in the usual way, using a very hght weight; knit across several times, 
being careful that the last row brings the carrier D to tlie left hand side, where you begin to 
narrow; do this by raising the last needle knit, knit across to the right (being careful to hold 
the thread tight around the needle you have raised, so as to make a nice selvedge), then back to 

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Illustrated Instrnction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 37 

the left, and raise up the last needle knit ; then knit across to the right again and back to the 
left, and raise up the last needle knit. Continue to do this, holding the work down as in knitting 
a round heel (see heel), until you have raised four-fifths or twenty of tlie needles, the remaining 
tive heing left for fringe; this completes one division, and if you wish the mat of two colors, break 
tlie thread and tie on the other color close to the needles; now push down all the needles raised 
(l)oing careful that the latches are down), and knit across to the left; raise up the last needle 
knit, and knit across to the right, then back to the left, and raise up the last needle knit again. 
Continue to do this until you have raised up twenty needles, as before, and change the color, 
being sure to tie it close to tlie needles ; push down all the raised needles (being careful that tlie 
latches are down) ; then knit across and narrow as before. To complete the circle it requires 
six divisions, three of each color; after having completed these di^^sions, push dowTi the raised 
needles and knit across plain once or twice to allow for any mishap you might have in taking 
tlie work from the machine, which is done by breaking the thread and turning the handle as in 
knitting. Join the last division to the first with the mending stitch (see the toe of the sock), 
leaving the five open for fringe ; after joining the twenty stitches you should press the mat 
tlioroughly, so as to make the fringe crimp nicely. If the time can be spared, it is better to lay 
them away for a day or two, after pressing, before raveling out the fringe, which is done by com- 
mencing at the open space, holding the right side of the mat toward you, and raveling toward 
tlie left ; the longer the mat is left, after pressing, before raveling, the nicer the fringe will crimp. 

These mats can be made with twelve divisions, by raising two needles at a time — or twenty- 
four by raising fom- needles at a time — but the mat Avith twelve divisions is the one most in favor. 
As many as sixty needles can be used, if required. 

Handsome toilet sets can be made ; one mat on 35, and two mats on 25 needles. 

Square Mats can be made by having four divisions, and narrowing and widening all of the 
needles in each division, by raising up and pushing down needles (as in heels), being particular 

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38 lUnstrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 

to commence raising up needles on the second division as soon ;is the last needle is pushed down 
on the first one, or it will leave an open place in the centre of the mat. Each division can be 
made of a different color, if desired. For a fringe : when the needles are arranged for the mat, 
place two extra needles five spaces to the right of the others for fringe needles. Knit the mat 
and fringe at the same time, putting in fancy stitches around the edge of mat for a border, if 
desired ; when finished, ravel out the two stitclies made by the fringe needles, and knot it close 
to the heading (see fringe) ; or, a fringe can be knit flat web, with fancy heading, and knit to the 
mat (see knitting flat welis together). When the fringe for one side of mat has been knit, a 
square corner should be turned on the fringe (by raising up and pushing down needles), thus 
making the mat, when finished, perfectly square. Thus the fringe can be formed while knitting, 
as described, or it can be knit in flat web. 

Table or lamp mats can be made of heavy cotton thread, making the fringe (see fringe) of 
some fancy colored zephyr or thread, and sewing it or crocheting it on the mat. By sewing it 
on it can be removed when the mat is washed. 

Very handsome tidies can be knit by making several small mats on ten or twelve needles, 
using one for the centre and joining others around it: they can be knit together as they are 
made, or crocheted with fancy colors. 

Any one knitting these mats and tidies, will find there is really no limit to the styles and 
kinds that can be produced. 

AFGHANS, BLANKETS, SPREADS, &c. 

Afghans, &c., can be knit in a variety of ways, of any material and in either a plain or 
fancy stitch. They can be knit in a circular web, then laid flat and crocheted, sewed or knit to- 
gether, or put together with a cord. When afghans are knit circular web, one half of the circle 

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can be knit in a fancy stitch, and taking this half for the right side when put together ; in this 
way each stripe can be knit of a different color, also a difiFerent fancy stitch, which makes a very 
handsome afghan wlien put together neatly. Tliey can also be knit flat web, in either stripes or 
blocks of plain or fancy stitches, and knit together on the machine, (see knitting flat web to- 
gether). They can be finished with fringe, or narrow the end of each stripe to a point, and put 
on tassels. Bed and all kinds of blankets and spreads, piano and table covers, rugs, etc., are knit 
in a similar way. 

DUSTERS. 

Dusters can be made of yarn or worsted, knit on a close stitch and pressed, then raveled out, 
the edge fastened to a handle, putting a piece of fancy work around the top for heading. They 
will be found superior to feather dusters, as they collect the dust much better ; old yarns can be 
used up in this way ; dish-cloths made of cotton in the same way will be found very convenient. 

TIDIES. 

In knitting tidies a great deal depends upon the skill and taste of the operator, and there 
are so many different styles and ways of knitting them that it will be impossible to describe 
them all. One very handsome style is knit in the herring-bone stitch, of scarlet and white Ger- 
man zephyr, using twenty-one needles and changing the loops four times each way before re- 
versing, (see herring-bone stitch). Knit eighteen points on each stripe and knit five stripes, two 
of white and three of scarlet, joining together on the machine by connecting the points; narrow 
the ends of each stripe to a point, and put on tassels. 

A7iother\a: take the same number of needles, knit two stripes with the diamond stitch, 
making five diamonds in each one, and knit three stripes of blue with the plain stitch ; join 

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Illustrated Instrwction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Macliiue. 



these together on machine (see knitting Qnt webs together), narrow the ends of each stripe to a 
point, and put on tassels. Tidies made of cotton in this way are very handsome and serviceable; 
any number of needles can be used ; also knit as long as required. 

Another is : use twenty needles, knit with green zephyr across thirty times, (which will 
make a square), then put in white, and knit across thirty times with that ; put the green in 
again and knit as before ; so continue to knit and change the colors until you have seven 
squares, three of white and four of green ; then knit another stripe in the same manner, only re- 
versing the colors, making three of green and four of white, and so on, making as many stripes 
as there are squares in a stripe ; finish unth a fringe or tassels. A tidy made this way, witli a 
small diamond knit in each white square, is very pretty. An ingenious person can devise an 
almost infinite variety of styles and designs. 

SCARFS. 

GENT'S PLAIN SCARF is knit circular on all the needles, then laid flat and finished with fringe or 
tassels. You can put different colors, as well as ornamental stitches, monograms, etc., in the ends, making 
them very pretty. Fancy scarfs can be knit of the herring-bone, diamond, zig-zag, spiral, or any of the other 
fancy stitches, and made up single or double. THE SPRAY STITCH SCARF is knit by putting the stitch 
over two needles instead of one, being careful that the yarn does not cling, and thereby form new stitches. 
This can be finished with tassels or fringe. THE SHELL SCARF is knit with two needles in and four out all 
around the machine ; when done, turn wrong side out and finish with tassels. This is very pretty for children. 
THE SCALLOPED SCARF is very pretty knit on all the needles, by simply changing the length of stitch, 
knitting from two to eight or more courses on a short stitch, and five, six, or more on the very longest. If 
made of split zephyr on the fine cylinder, they make a very handsome scarf for ladies. You can also knit pretty 
scarfs with every other needle out, two in and two out, three in and three out, or any way suggested by the 
taste of the operator. Many of them look nice turned inside out, and can be finished with fringe or tassels. 

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CABLE STITCH. 



LOCUST STITCH. 




Take, for example, twenty-one needles. Commence by 
taking the stitches from every other needle and putting 
them over the next ; then knit around once, forming loops 
on the empty needles; remove these loops to the next 
needles, being sure to put them all the same way. Knit 
around again, and remove the loops as before. Continue 
to knit and remove the loops (putting them always the same 
way) ; or, you can knit six rows cable stitch, and six plain, 
all the way around the machine, which makes very pretty 
work for undersleeves, or anything knit tubular. Only a 
light weight is necessary. 



Take, for example, twenty-four needles. Commence the 
work on flat web, and knit across three or four times plain ; 
then raise up twp needles, and leave two down, all the way 
across the work; knit across twice. Now push down all 
the raised needles, and knit across once. Raise up the 
same needles as before, and knit twice across ; push dowTi 
the raised needles, and knit across once, as before. Con- 
tinue to do this until the piece is the desired length. 

Be very careful that all the needles that are down form 
perfect work. A heavy weight is necessary. 



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ZIG-ZAG STITCH 



FILIGREE STITCH, 




Take, for example, tweuty-oue needles. Commence as 
before, by taking the stitches from every other needle and 
putting them over the next; knit around once, forming 
loops; remove these loops all to the right over the next 
needles ; knit again and remove the loops all to the left ; so 
continue to knit and remove the loops, first to the right, 
then to the left, and so on. This stitch is very pretty for 
cotton tidies, hoods, capes, etc. Only a light weight is 



Take, for example, twenty needles. Commence the work 
as before, knitting plain a number of times. Now com- 
mence by raising up two needles and leave one down, then 
the next two, and leave the next one down, and so on, two 
up and one down, all the way across the work. Knit across 
twice, push down the raised needles, and knit across once. 
Raise up the same needles as before, knit across twice, and 
push down the needles, as before ; knit across once, and 
again raise the same needles. So continue, being very care- 
ful that all the needles that are down foi-m perfect work. 
A heavy weight is necessary. 



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Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Macliine. 



CHAIN STITCH 



LATTICE STITCH. 




Tike, foi tximplc twent\ one neeilli s C'oranu ncc i-- 
l>etoie, by taking tli( ^titclus iiom c\cn other nicdle ami 
putting them over the next, knit around once, foiming 
loops ou the empty needles ; remove the first loop to the 
right, the next to the left, and so on around the machine, 
which brings three threads around every other needle ; 
knit across again and remove tlie first loop to the left, and 
the next to the right ; continue to knit and remove the 
loops, reversing them every time, being careful to com- 
mence every time on the same needle. Also be careful that 
the needles that have three threads on them, form perfect 
work. Use sufficient weight to keep it down properly. 



knitting four or five times across plain ; then raise up every 
other needle, knit across twice, push down the raised 
needles, and knit across once ; raise up the same needles as 
before, knit across twice, push down the needles, and knit 
across once ; raise up needles again, knit across twice, and 
so on, being careful to raise the same needles each time, 
using sufficient weight to keep the work down, so that the 
needles knitting, will form perfect stitches. 

This stitch, made on the fine cylinder, with every other 
needle out, is better Tor many uses. 



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Illustrated Instriictioii Book for the Bickford Fiimily Knitting Macliine. 



BRAIDED STITCH 



BIRD'S EYE STITCH 




plain a few rows, to get the work well started, commence 
l)y taking the stitches from every other needle, and putting 
tliera over the next ; then knit around once, forming loops 
on the needles from which the stitches were taken ; then 
knit once more, binding the loops in; now remove the 
stitches again, and knit around as before; continue remov- 
ing the stitches and knitting as described, being particular 
to reverse the stitches every time. In this way you can 
form diamonds, squares, monograms, or any letter or figure 
vou wish. 



Take, loi example, I w cut j -one needles. Commence as 
before, knitting across four or five times, plain ; raise up 
every other needle and knit across twice ; push down these 
needles and raise up the other ones, and knit across twice 
again ; push down these needles and raise up the others, 
and so continue to knit across and raise up needles, revers- 
ing the needles each time. Use a heavy weight. 



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45 



HONEYCOMB STITCH. 



DIAMOND STITCH 




Take, for example, twenty-one needles. Commence ab 
before, and knit across four or five times, plain ; then raise 
up three needles and leave three down, all the way across 
the work; knit across three times, push down the needles 
that were raised, and raise up the other three ; knit across 
three times, as before, push down the raised needles and 
raise up the other three ; knit across three times again, and 
so continue to push down and raise up needles, knitting 
three times across each time. A heavy weight is necessaiy 



Take, 

m tlie back part of the i 
needle, and put it m 

left) remove tl 
knit across i 



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Illustrated Instruction Book for the Blckford Family Knitting Machine. 



BULL'S EYE STITCH 

W3. 



PINEAPPLE STITCH. 




like loi LXiiupk t\\eul> uccdkb tommcute ib be 
foie, knitting four oi li\e times across, plain, raise up two 
uetdles and leave two down, knit across twice, push down 
the raised needles and raise up the other two ; knit across 
twice again ; push down these needles and raise up the 
other two, and so continue pushing down and raising up 
needles and knitting twice across. Use a heavy weight. 



(liudLcl IkIcik liTtikiiig tliL stittlus tiom e\(i\ othci 
ntedk md puttinj^ tlitm o^er the next, kmt aiound once 
forming loops , then remove the flr'^t loop to the right, the 
next to the left, the next to the nght, and the next to tht 
left, and so continue all the way around the web, knit 
again and remove the loops as before ; knit again and re- 
move as before. Now knit and remove the first loop to tlie 
left, the next to the right, the next to the left, and the 
next to the right, as many times as before ; continue placing 
them three times or more one way, then three or more 
times the other way, being careful that you commence to 
remove them on the same needle every time, and that the 
needles that have the three threads on them perform perfect 
jwork. 



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HERRING-BONE STITCH. 




Take, for example, twenty-one needles. Commence as 
before, by taking the stitches from every other needle, and 
putting them over the next; knit around once, forming 
loops over the empty needles ; remove these loops all to the 
right, over the next needles; knit again, and remove the 
loops as before ; do this three or more times to the right, 
then three or more times to the left, and so on. 

You can knit a flat web, and form scallops on each edge, 
the size of scallops to be regulated by the number of times 
knitting and removing the loops before reversing them, 
four or five times makes a very pretty scallop. These scal- 
lops can be knit together by joining the points of the 
scallops, or can be fitted to each other so as to be impossible 
to tell where they are joined. In this way a breakfast cape, 
or shawl, etc., etc., can be knit, having the centre all one 
color, and the border different. Only light weight is ne- 
cessary. 



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Illustrated Instruction Book for tlie Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 



LINK AND BAND WORK 




_) uh 



Plm tw enty needles in tlie liaek part 
nt the matlune, iea\dng one groove of the 
lit ( (lie cvlmdei between each needle, (or 
witli t\ti\ othei needle out). Prepare the 
III! liiiM t II iiat web; the take-np is not 
II 11 lu-i a \ery loose stitch is required, 
ila ni itm d used shoidd be double zephyr 
01 A veiy coaise yarn ; then knit six times 
across, plani, leaving the carrier " D " to 
the light , 1 ii'^e up one half of the needles 
til the lett, and then knit across to the lelt; 
then icU-^e up the live last needles to tlie 
light Mo\e up the pins on either side, to 
1 nit ados'? thiity two times, (holding tlie work 
i^> the caiiiei " D " to the left ; push down the 



il( ki 
hve needles to the right, (move back the piu), and knit across to the right: now push down the 
ten needles to the left, (move liack the pin,) and knit across six times, plain. We now liave a 
strip of knit work in the centre, detached from the ground-work, and we wish to make another 
strip just above, on the left side of it: First, Ve raise up one half needles on the riglit. Knit 
across to the right and raise up the last five needles to the left. Move up the pins on either 
side again, and knit across thirty-two times ; break the yarn and run these five stitches oft", and 
pass this last strip of knit work through the one knit before, and pick up the stitches again on 
the same needles (being careful not to twist it); join the yarn, push down the needles as before, 



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Illustrated Instmction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 49 

and knit across six times, plain, (always remembering to move back the pins) ; so proceed imtil 
the work is finished. The links will curl by themselves, wrong side out. You can use as many 
needles as you like, and have the links much larger, if required. 

The Link and Band work forms nice stripes for Afghans, Sofa Pillow Covers, &c., &c.; also 
makes a very handsome border (see cover of book) for mats, tidies, cushions, bed-spreads, &c., 
&c. The links can be joined in a variety of ways, to suit the taste of the operator. 



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50 



Illustrated Instrnction Book for the Bickford Family Knittiiig Mathine. 



LADY'S OR GENTS' UNDER-VESTS 



INFANT'S SHIRT. 




Fig. 9 reprosentv a Lm\\\ m (,uifs I H(l( i V( ^t, knit of Sax- 
ony yarn, in two l)it'Le^ (tlat ^^c■ll, ) and joiutd at the sides. The 
sleeves are also knit flat web and joined. Long sleeves could be 
knit, if required ; also made in some fancy stitch. If made 
high in the neck, it must be left open down the front. 

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Fig. 10 represents an Infant's Shirt, made of split 
zephyr, with border of herring-bone stitch. The 
sleeves are made in flat web, and joined in at the 
shoulder. Long sleeves can be made, if necessary; 
also high in the neck. 



Illustrated Instrnction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 



51 




GORED SKIRT. 

Fig. 11 represents a skirt knit of white Saxony yarn in tlie 
plain stitch, narrowed dovra and knit together by machine, 
(see knitting flat webs together). It is knit in foui- breadths ; 
the front one is narrowed on both sides, the others plain. 
Stripes can be knit in (see Balmoral work), or strips of fancy 
work knit and sewed on. It is better to sew them on, as 
they can be easily removed when you wish to wash the skirt. 
The binding can be knit on to the skirt or a mushn one 
sewed on. In this way skirts of any size, and knit of any 
material, can be made in either plain or fancy stitch. 



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52 



Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 



BABY'S BOOT. 




Fig 



Fig. 12 represents an Infant's Boot or Shoe, knit of 
double zepyr, flat web, the foot gored like a child's stock- 
ing. The top is knit in zig-zag stitch, and^turned down, 
with cord and tassel. The top is ornamented with three 
cords, braided together. 



LADY'S SOCK, OR OVERrSHOE. 




Lady's Over-shoe, knit of brown zephyr, commenced 
at the back, flat web. Knit thirty or forty times, then 
narrow down to five needles, and widen out again by rais- 
ing up and pushing down needles (see heel) ; then join at 
back, and knit the top or ankle in the honey-comb stitch, 
keeping the plain knitting side for the outside. The sole 
is knit of tufted work, and sewed on with the tufts inside, 
which makes it very warm and comfortable. In this way, 
inner soles for boots and shoes can be knit ; also. Ladies' 
and Gent's Slippers wath knit soles. 



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Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 



LADY'S CORSET. 




Fig. 14 represents a Lady's Corset, knit of scarlet zephyr, 
iu the plain stitch, and narrowed and widened on the side, 
to shape it. The straps for the shoulders are knit in flat 
web ; then make a row of braided stitches up the back, to 
form eyelets for the lacings. 



SUSPENDERS. 




Fig. 15 re[ji<;»uut» a [mn uf !?Li=peudi:,^, kiiit fli.t web, of 
German zephyr, in the bird's-eye stitch. If more elasticity 
is needed than you get from this stitch, make it double 
width, and close it in the circle, or knit in a strip of rubber 
cord. 



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Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 

CHILD'S SACQUE. 





Figs. 16 & 17 represent the front and back of a Child's Saeque with hood, knit of doiible 
zephyr, and ornamented -with cord and a strip made in herring-bone stitch ; also, cord and 
tassels. It is knit flat web, and is narrowed and widened on the shoulder ; also, the side seams 
and back. Sleeves also knit flat web. Sacques can be knit of any color, and in any pattern 
desired. Infants' Sacques knit of split zephyr, and on the fine cylinder, are very pretty. 



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Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 



LADY'S JACKET. 





Figs. 18 & 19 represent the trout and back of a jacket knit in the bird's-eye stitch, of chinchiUa 
worsted, and trimmed \\nth tufting made of white with black spots (sheared), in imitation of 
ermine fur. It is narrowed and widened to shape, and closed under the arms, on the shoulders, 
and down the back. The vest in front is knit of scarlet, and trimmed vdth ruching and cord. 



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56 



Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 



CHILDREN'S HOODS. 




Fig. 20 represents a Hood made of German worsted, knit 
the zig-zag stitch on fine cylinder, trimmed with a strip of 
tufting all around and over the top ; a row of eyelets around 
for cord and tassels ; it is knit in flat web, and narrowed 
and widened on the back (like heel). 



CHILD'S DRESS. 




Fig. 21. 

Fig, 21 represeuta a Child's Dress. The yoke, belt and bottom of skirt 
is made of blue and black worsted, in fancy stitch; the balance, plaii 
blue. The skirt is knit in five breadths ; the front one is gored or nar 
rowed on both sides — the two side ones on one side and the two back plain 
It is ornamented with cord and narrow ruching ; the skirt is knit togethe 
(see knitting flat webs together). These knitted dresses are very warn 
and serviceable. Can be made plain or of some fancy stitch. 



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Illustrated Instraction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 57 

CHANGING- CYLINDERS. 

We have a number of clifFerent cylinders, both coarse and fine. To change one cylinder 
for the other, first take out the needles as before dii-ected, lift off the cam or revolving cylinder 
H, and unscrew the yarn stand B ; then turn the machine upside down, take out the two screws 
that hold the cyUuder I in place and remove it ; take the screws from the other cylinder and 
place the bed-plate of the machine upon it, being careful to have the screw-holes in the same 
places in which the others were, and see that the cylinder fits closely to the shoulder all around ; 
put in the screws and the other set of needles in place of those removed, and it is ready for use. 

HINTS TO BEGINNERS. 

Be very particular, in winding the bobbin, to foUow the directions closely. 

In setting up the work he sure that the carrier " D " ia as represented in the cut, or is just 
ahead of the front swing-cam " M." Do not overlook this point, as the yarn wiU not be 
properly carried to the needles, thus causing them to drop stitches. 

Before starting the work see that all the latches of the needles are down. 

See that the yarn is in the upper eye of carrier "D," as the lower eye is used only when 
knitting fringe ; and if, through mistake or carelessness, the yarn gets in the lower eye, it will 
cause the machine to drop stitches, because it canies the yarn too low. 

Be sure that the stitch is the proper length for the yarn or material used. 

Be sure that the yarn is placed in the eye of yarn-stand " B," directly over the bobbin 
from which you wish to knit. 

Do not use the take-up in knitting circular web or fancy stitches. 

In knitting the heel, if the machine comes to a stop, and cannot be moved, you will pro- 

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58 Illustrated Instruction Book for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 

bably find that one of the raised needles has got pushed down a litttle, by accident or other- 
wise, and interferes with the passing of the cams ; raise the needle and proceed to knit. 

If a mistake is made while knitting, and it is necessary to ravel the work back, it is very 
easily done by first raising iip out of action, all the needles that do not need to be raveled ; 
then remove the weights, and, taking the yarn fi-om the carrier " D," pull it back over the hook 
of each needle, causing the underneath stitch to drop back over the same needle again. 
After a little practice, any one can ravel back as far they wish, without dropping a stitch. 

MATERIALS, &c. 

We have on baud a large assortment of common and fancy yarns, worsteds, etc., which we 
furnish our customers very low. 

Knitting machine oil, prepared expressly for the Bickford Machine, for sale at ten cents 
per bottle, or one dollar per dozen. 

Machine needles at sixty cents per dozen. When needles are ordered by mail, the price 
and return postage should accompany the order, always being particidar to state what size 
needle is wanted. 

All pieces or parts of the machine can be replaced at very little expense, by sending the 
broken part to our Office, thus avoiding the necessity of sending the whole machine. 



CopTright Sacnrid. 



ted lustriiction Booi for the Bickford Family Knitting Machine. 



RULE FOR MEASUREMENT. 



As it is impossible to give tlie exact uumber of times to liait, aud number of ueeclles to use in forming 
different sizes of garments, we give you a form of measurement, which if understood and followed closely, will 
enable you to fit any article or garment desired. In the first place, take the measure the same as a tailor or a 
dressmaker would, by getting the number of inches in length, width, etc., and put them down in plain figures. 
Set up the work on a" few needles with the yarn to be used, (if coarse, use the coarse cylinder, if fine, the fine 
cylinder) being particular to have the stitch the exact length you wish it in the garment, and knit an inch or 
two in length, run it off and with a rule measure one inch in length and one in breadth, then count the stitches 
each way in that inch. Thu^ if it takes 7 needles to make one inch in widt'i, and 13 times knitting across to 
make one inch in length, and your article is S inches wide and 30 inches long, you must use 56 needles and knit 
across 940 times. 




The example given is half of the back of a Ladies' Jacket. (See page 55). 
It is 6 inches wide at the waist (and using the coarse cylinder with heavy German- 
town yarn,) there are 7 needles to the inch, hence you must use 43 needles with 
which to commence. Being 9 inches wide at the shoulder, it will require 63 
needles at that point, and as it is 9 inches in length from the waist to the 
.shoulder, and takes 13 rows of knitting to form one inch, it will require 108 
rows of knitting to reach from the waist to the shoulder, and must be widened 
out 31 needles in knitting, or about one in every fifth row to make the desired 
width at this point. And being 3 inches, requiring 31 needles in width at the 
neck, and 6 inches in length from shoulder to neck, it takes 72 rows of knitting, 
and to be narrowed 43 stitches to complete it. The other half must be knit in 
the same way, only taking care to widen and narrow on the opposite side, and 
joined together by the machine. (See knitting flat webs together). 

The above rule applies to every material, and to either plain or fancy stitch. 



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PRIZE-MEP / L 



;Sj»atent FInMng HacMnf, 




This IS the only Machine in the market, appli- 
cable to the general purposes of a family. 

Being constructed with a self-acting lever, it at 
once conforms itself to every kind of work or 
material. 

It has received very complimentary endorse- 
ments from Mrs. General Grant, and many 
others. Indeed, these Machines are recom- 
mended by every one who has used them. They 
are really the best yet made, and many of our 
best business firms can also vouch for their merits. 

The exclusive control of these Machines has 
been secured by the BICKFORD KNITTING 
MACHINE CO., who will keep a constant sup- 
ply on hand for sale, and make liberal terms 
with the Trade, at 689 BROADWAY, N. T. 

Price, $8.00 & $10.00. 



